Hill promoted to Academic Advisor for lake area Columbia College

After gaining five years of experience at Columbia College lake campus, Professor Brian Hill has recently been promoted to an Academic Advisor position and oversees the education program.

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The Lake News Online

Posted Aug. 24, 2013 at 9:00 AM

Posted Aug. 24, 2013 at 9:00 AM

Osage Beach

After gaining five years of experience at Columbia College lake campus, Professor Brian Hill has recently been promoted to an Academic Advisor position and oversees the education program.

"He brings good experience," Administrator Dr. John Keeney said of Hill. "He is a former high school teacher and is familiar with that world."

Hill, originally from Eldon, received his bachelor degree in science and english education from Lincoln University and his masters in English from Ft. Hayes State.

He then went on to teach high school and junior high for years before beginning to teach adjunct courses at the lake campus. After one year, Hill became a full time adjunct professor teaching English courses. Throughout his time at Columbia College, he has taught both English and Education classes, took over the education portfolio and became the test proctor for online classes.

"He's a real asset to the team," Dr. Keeney added. "He has a real open, friendly style." Keeney feels as if Hill's personality will allow students to feel comfortable enough to come to him with questions and concerns.

Currently Hill is still teaching a full load of classes, but soon will be doing more advising and less teaching.

"I do enjoy the time in the classroom, but this new adventure---I'm really excited about," Hill said.

When Columbia announced Hill's promotion on their Facebook page, the post received 159 likes and 25 comments.

One former Columbia College student commented, "I did not have Mr. Hill as an instructor, but he was usually in charge of my proctored exams. He was always friendly and remembered by name. Congrats."

Hill even uses his hobby and love for history as a way to bring English to life for his students. He enjoys touring homes of late authors which have been turned into museums. He attempts to bring items back from his visits and shares with his classes. For him, it is a way to bring the class's topics alive.

Hill strives to put his students' fears of English to rest by putting them at ease and offering a hands on learning environment. When teaching to education majors, he feels as if it is important to put the students at ease when being in front of a classroom.

"There is a difference in knowing your field and teaching your field," Hill said.

Page 2 of 2 - Hill's hope is to see Columbia College's Education program at the lake continue to thrive and grow. He would like to recruit more students and make sure it remains competitive with other colleges. Hill also would like to see an education master's program be added if the opportunity arose.